All Southeast Asian states want to take advantage of the benefits of a
rising China, yet none wants it to be in a position to dominate the region
strategically. All welcome America’s strategic ‘pivot’ towards Asia because
they hope it will provide a counterbalance to China’s growing weight. But like
Australia, Southeast Asian states worry about a future where their major
economic partner may come into conflict with their security guarantor.
Southeast Asian countries
have very different histories and relationships with the United States and
China. But the uniformity with which they now welcome America’s engagement in
their region is striking.